Caracalla

Eldest son of Septimius Severus, Caracalla is remembered for the Constitutio Antoniniana extending Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire, the construction of his massive baths in Rome, and the murder of his brother and co-emperor Geta. His reign was marked by military ambition and fiscal recklessness.

Caracalla's extension of citizenship transformed the legal and fiscal structure of the empire, while his introduction of the antoninianus began the monetary debasement that would spiral throughout the third century. Both decisions had profound consequences that outlasted the Severan dynasty.

Key Events

198 AD Named Augustus and co-emperor by his father at age ten

211 AD Sole rule after murdering his brother Geta; damnatio memoriae imposed

212 AD Constitutio Antoniniana extended citizenship to nearly all free inhabitants of the empire

215 AD Massacre of citizens in Alexandria in retaliation for satires against him

216 AD Introduction of the antoninianus (double denarius), a new silver denomination

217 AD Assassinated near Carrhae while preparing a Parthian campaign

Coinage

Caracalla's most significant numismatic legacy is the introduction of the antoninianus around 215 AD, a new denomination nominally worth two denarii but containing only about 1.5 denarii of silver. His portrait type with the radiate crown on the antoninianus is immediately recognizable.

Denominations

Aureus Antoninianus Denarius Sestertius Dupondius As

Notable Types

First antoninianus issues (radiate portrait)
MONETA AVG types
Mars types reflecting military campaigns

Common Reverses

PONTIF TR P X COS II MONETA AVG VENVS VICTRIX INDVLGENTIA AVG PM TR P XVIII COS IIII P P MARS VLTOR

Active Mints

Rome

Key Events

Coinage

Further Reading